"Were you and mother in love? When she was alive?"

Rey's father turned around to face her, his eye wide. "What did you ask me?"

"Were you and mother in love?"

"The two of us were happy, very happy."

"But were you in love?"

"Where would you get such an question?"

Rey bit her lip, she didn't want Maz to get in trouble for her curiosity.

"I'm just curious."

"Being curious isn't always a good thing darling."

"But I just wanted to know."

"All you need to know is that we were happy, it doesn't matter if you're in love or not. The people always go first, alway before your own desires." He placed a calm hand on Rey's shoulder. "Always be selfless, always."

She nodded slowly. "But what if I want be in love."

He laughed nervously, shaking his head. "Then you must discard that wish."

"Why?"

"Say you fall in love with a scoundrel or a poor farmer, then what do we do? What option do we have? You may love them but your kingdom is better off with your promised prince. Even if you fall in love with a prince it doesn't matter, marriage is for the kingdom. If you have to marry the neighboring kingdom heir rather than the enemy kingdom heir then so be it."

"But —"

"Always be selfless Rey. Selfish thoughts can lead to bad decisions for the kingdom." She nodded, looking down. "I know. I was just wondering."

"Have you fallen in love before Rey?"

"No, never." She shook her head.

"Good. Your wedding is soon anyways."

"I know. Goodbye father."

"Goodbye darling."

Rey retreated to her room to find Maz waiting for her.

"He just said that they were happy not that they were in love."

"See? All personal desires get pushed aside."

"I know. My weddings coming soon."

"Don't worry too much about it, Prince Storm seems like such a sweet boy and he would make an excellent husband for you."

"Yeah I guess so...the people always come first don't they?"

Maz nodded slowly as Rey curled up in her bed.

"Goodnight Maz."

"Goodnight Rey."

The small woman gave her one last sad look before shuffling out of the room. Rey sighed staring at the ceiling above her head.

"Maybe it's for the best." She whispered softly to herself. "I could just fall in love with Finn over time, right?"

Her voice cracked with doubt.

"This whole thing is foolish." Rey mumbled slowly. "I'm marrying Finn and nothing will ever change that."